"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage." -Lao Tzu "Game Fogged Out" Midway Stadium July 14, 2003 St. Paul, Minnesota I was inspired to write this poem after an incredible summer evening at the Saint Paul Saints Midway Stadium Ball Park in St. Paul, Minnesota. On this particular July evening rain forced a two hour delay before anyone could throw out the first pitch. When the storm finally passed they were able to uncover the field and the pitchers mound to begin the game against the Gary SouthShore RailCats of Indiana. Two more hours into the game, to everyone's dismay the game was called on account of fog. The Saints would have to play the RailCats in a double header the next day. Aside from being cold and soaking wet, incredible memories were made that evening with great new and old friends from Indiana and Minnesota. (I think my clothes are still on the line drying out!)

For Love of the Fans © 2003 by Niki Paton The sounds of a game, An American way of life, Bring to each heart, A feeling of flight. To feel a part. An experience or two, Of a game that brings together, People from every venue. Tried and true fans, Of a ball and a stick, Sit in the bleachers, And look up quick. A ball from a foul. A bad play by a hitter. Comes out from no where, You'd swear they pitched a spitter! To sit in the stands. In the sun or the rain, With cotton candy clouds, For baseball you'd do anything. You scream at the ump! A bad call, A missed play, What could be worse? Maybe a two hour rain delay! Fans sing in the stands, Clouds circle together, Filling the sky, Looks like bad weather Holding your bobble head Saint, Chanting with thunder, Baseball is, A magical spell you're under. Soaked through and through, Chilled to the bone. Never having, Second thoughts of heading for home. A faint glimmer? A clearing? You're soaked and cheering! The game will resume, What a fantastic feeling! Those very cold raindrops, Are all disappearing. The players step back up to the plate, There's no doubt about it, This is going to be great. The stands start to fill, With a thunderous cheer! There's a chance, This game won't last till next year! The pitcher throws hard. The hitter is steady. No matter the call, You're going to be ready!

"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta be willing to put up with the rain." -Dolly Parton